The grocery store was full of alone people. Most did not choose to be alone. Some did.

Some were not alone; they were with family, friends, co-workers and colleagues. They were with people in person. And “with” people on their phones.

But that woman cried alone. Until people stopped being alone. And they started being together.

Together, No Longer Alone

Many people are wary of people; espcially of strangers. Many people are uncomfortable with people who cry. – They shut them up: “You’ll be fine.” “It’s not that bad.” – They shut them down. “Get over it already.” “Man-up!”

Many people avoid sad or depressed people because they feel incapable. That’s the irony. Often times, it’s better to say little. Sad or hurting people usually need to feel heard; not lectured or corrected.

When we listen, really hear the other person, it makes a huge difference: – We hear more of what’s being said – We quiet our need to be in control – The speaker feels more lovable as we pay attention – We assure the speaker feels worthwhile as we listen – The speaker grows in self-confidence as they realize they are capable of expressing themselves clearly – And, our self-respect grows as we commend ourselves as capable listeners

In Power Players I mentioned that Jesus told a radical story in which the unlovable “enemy” was really the hero; it’s a radical world-upside-down tale.

Listen For Their Cries

Jesus Christ told a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’

“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”

“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.” 1

“All our trials, great and small, can bring more of the two best things in life: love for life and love for others.”, wrote Gary Smalley. 2